The Chinese Ministry of Public Security pledged to "guide and support" Hong Kong police after the National Assembly passes a resolution on building a security law.

China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said it would "make every effort to guide and assist Hong Kong police to prevent violence and restore order", according to a statement released by the agency yesterday.

Earlier, the Chinese parliament approved "Resolution on Establishing, Improving Legal System and Enforcement Mechanism for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Ensure Security".

The new law also intends to allow Beijing to establish security and intelligence agencies in Hong Kong, including a domestic intelligence office likely to be linked to MPS and the Ministry of National Security.

The Hong Kong police force operates independently of China and MPS has no executive power in the special zone.

Protests have been taking place in Hong Kong over the past few days to protest the security legislation proposed by the mainland government, forcing riot police to use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

China asserted that the security bill reinforces the principle of "one country, two regimes", serving interests and supporting Hong Kong development.

However, the United States, Britain, Canada, and Australia yesterday issued a joint statement, saying that China's imposition of a new security law with Hong Kong violated international obligations under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.